Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The Shristhal Biodiversity Management Committee and Shristhal Panchayat, in collaboration with the Forest Department, celebrated Vanamahotsav by conducting tree plantation programmes at Lokvishwas Pratishthan’s special children’s school at Mokhard-Bhatpal and Shristhal Government High School (GHS).
At the special children’s school, saplings were planted in the premises, and the special students were also provided saplings to plant at their homes. Retired researcher from Dapoli Agricultural University in Maharashtra, Pandurang Fugro, attended the event as the chief guest, while retired All India Radio official and noted music artist Ramanand Joshi was the guest of honour. Also present were Shristhal Sarpanch Sejal Gaonkar, Panch Dashrath Gaonkar, Forest Department officer Keshav Pagi, Secretary Sushant Naik Gaonkar, Biodiversity Committee members Damodar Chari and Anjali Gaonkar, School Advisory Committee member Kamlakar Mhalsi, along with Pankaj Naik Gaonkar, Sunil Paigankar, Satish Gosavi, Rajay Bhandari, and Tejas Naik Gaonkar.
Teacher Deepa Kudalkar delivered the welcome address while Biodiversity Committee member Shirish Pai introduced the event. Speeches were delivered by chief guest Fugro, guest of honour Joshi, and Sarpanch Sejal Gaonkar. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shristhal BMC Chairman Vinay Tubki.
At Shristhal Government High School, the celebration included a welcome by BMC member Shirish Pai, an introduction by teacher Tukaram Salgaonkar, and a speech on environmental conservation by student Jatin Gaonkar. Addresses were delivered by BMC Chairman Vinay Tubki, Panch Dashrath Gaonkar, and Sarpanch Sejal Gaonkar. Student Omkar Velip proposed the vote of thanks. Panch member Livia Naik, PTA President Sampada Velip, Secretary Sushant Naik Gaonkar, Damodar Chari, and Forest Department staff were also in attendance.
An environmental awareness song was performed by the students, following which dignitaries planted trees within the school premises and distributed saplings to the students to promote greenery and awareness about environmental conservation.
